The Central Mediterranean Route: Migrant Fatalities January - July 2017

The Central Mediterranean is considered to be the deadliest migration route in the world, with more than 14,500 deaths recorded in this area since 2014. During the first seven months of 2017, 2,224 migrant fatalities were recorded by IOM in the Central Mediterranean. During 2017, 1 in 36 migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean route perished. This is a significant increase compared to 2016 when 1 in 88 were reported missing or dead. This briefing is part of IOM´s forthcoming global report on migrant fatalities, Fatal Journeys Vol. 3.